A container

ABSTRACT

A tobacco industry product container suitable for storing products for oral use. The container includes a composite material being a combination of at least a first material and a second material.

PRIORITY CLAIM

The present application is a National Phase entry of PCT Application No.PCT/GB2021/053012, filed Nov. 19, 2021, which claims priority from U.S.Provisional Application No. 63/116,357, filed Nov. 20, 2020, each ofwhich are hereby fully incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a substance delivery product container.More specifically, the present invention relates to a substance deliveryproduct container formed from a composite material.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Snus may be sold either in loose form or in portions disposed inpermeable bags and it is packages in boxes having a resealable lid so asto maintain the snus moist. Snus is typically consumed by placing itunder the upper lip for an extended period of time. It is known toprovide containers with a compartment for holding unused snus and aseparate compartment for temporarily receiving used snus until the usercan find a suitable place to dispose of it, such as a bin.

Known containers are formed from oil based plastics and create waste ifdisposed of in the same way as used snus. Thus, known containers have acarbon footprint which has been identified as having the potential to bereduced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a substance delivery product container.The substance delivery product container may be a active substancedelivery product container. The substance delivery product container issuitable for storing products for oral use. The 30 substance deliveryproduct container comprises a composite material being a combination ofat least a first material and a second material. In some embodiments,the composite material is homogenous. In some embodiments, the compositematerial is an anisotropic material.

In some embodiments, the substance delivery product container is acontainer for modern oral products. A modern oral product includestobacco containing pouches, tobacco free nicotine containing pouches,active substance pouched products, melts, chews, gummies, and lozenges.The container may be a snus container.

In some embodiments, the substance delivery product container comprisesa base and a lid which is releasably attachable to the base, the baseand the lid defining a first compartment which is configured to receivethe substance delivery product.

In some embodiments, the composite material is configured to becompostable and/or recyclable.

In some embodiments, the first material is a plastic. The plastic may bea bio-derived plastic. The plastic may be a polymer. The polymer may bea fossil-derived polymer. The fossil-derived polymer may be apolyolefin. The polyolefin may be a recycled material. The recycledmaterial may be a post-industrial plastic or a post-consumer plastic.The polyolefin may be at least one of polyethylene or polypropylene.

In some embodiments, the composite material comprises in the range of30% to 80% of the first material.

In some embodiments, the composite material is a fibrous material. Thefibrous material may be a bio based fibrous material. The bio basedfibrous material may comprise 25 elementary fibers comprising cellulose.

In some embodiments, the fibrous material forms a continuous fiberreinforcement in the composite material. In some embodiments, thefibrous material forms a discontinuous fiber reinforcement in thecomposite material.

In some embodiments, the average length of the fibers is in the range ofabout 0.1 mm to about 15 mm.

In some embodiments, the average diameter of the fibers is in the rangeof about 10 μm to about 100 μm.

In some embodiments, the length to diameter ratio of the fibers is inthe range of about 2 to about 1500.

In some embodiments, where the elementary fibers are continuous, theelementary fibers may be arranged uni-directionally. In someembodiments, where the elementary fibers are continuous, the elementaryfibers may be arrange bi-directionally. In some embodiments, where theelementary fibers are discontinuous, the elementary fibers may bearranged uni-directionally In some embodiments, where the elementaryfibers are discontinuous, the elementary fibers may be arrangedbi-directionally In some embodiments, where the elementary fibers arediscontinuous, the elementary fibers may be arranged in an alignedorientation. In some embodiments, where the elementary fibers arediscontinuous, the elementary fibers are arranged in a randomorientation.

In some embodiments, the elementary fibers are formed from anagricultural plant product. The agricultural plant product may be atleast one of flax, hemp, or cellulose. The elementary fibers may beformed from at least one of the seed, leaf, bast, fruit, or stalk of theagricultural plant product.

In some embodiments, the fibers are formed from a non-agricultural plantproduct. The non-agricultural plant product may be a wood, such as asoftwood or a hardwood. The non-agricultural plant product may be atleast one of pine or palm.

In some embodiments, the composite material comprises in the range of20% to 70% of the second material. In some embodiments, the compositematerial comprises in the range of 20% to 70% of bio-derived, renewable,non-thermoplastic substance.

The present invention also relates to a use of a composite material asrecited in claim 1 to form a substance delivery product container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of exampleonly, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a composite materialaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a substance delivery product container according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the substance delivery productcontainer of FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 4 shows a cross-section of the substance delivery product containerof FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 5 shows a lid of the substance delivery product container of FIG. 2; and

FIGS. 6A and 6 b show a simplified cross-section of the substancedelivery product container of FIG. 2 when the lid is attached to a baseof the substance delivery product container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure generally provides a substance delivery productcontainer. The substance delivery product container may be an activesubstance delivery product container.

In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may comprise anactive substance. The active substance as used herein may be aphysiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieveor enhance a physiological response. The active substance may be forexample, selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactives. Theactive substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained.The active substance may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine,taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin,cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In someembodiments, the active substances comprises caffeine, melatonin, orvitamin B12.

As noted herein, the active substance may comprise one or moreconstituents, derivatives or extracts of cannabis, such as one or morecannabinoids or terpenes.

As noted herein, the active substance may comprise or be derived fromone or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof.As used herein, the term “botanical” includes any material derived fromplants including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibers,stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like.Alternatively, the material may comprise an active compound naturallyexisting in a botanical, obtained synthetically. The material may be inthe form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles,granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, or the like. Examplebotanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis,fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax,ginger, Ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice (liquorice),matcha, mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea orblack tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (anise), basil, bayleaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary,saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla,wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro,bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace,damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena,tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca,ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab or any combinationthereof. The mint may be chosen from the following mint varieties:Mentha Arventis, Mentha c.v., Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Menthapiperita citrata c.v., Mentha piperita c.v, Mentha spicata crispa,Mentha cardifolia, Memtha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata,Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens

In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived fromone or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereofand the botanical is tobacco.

In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from oneor more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof andthe botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp.

In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from oneor more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof andthe botanical is selected from rooibos and fennel.

In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises a flavor.

As used herein, the terms “flavor” and “flavorant” refer to materialswhich, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desiredtaste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adultconsumers. They may include naturally occurring flavor materials,botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, orcombinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice),hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile,fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed(anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb,wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange,mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape,durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits,Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint,peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg,sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honeyessence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom,cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage,fennel, wasabi, piment, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, a mint oil fromany species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa,lemongrass, rooibos, flax, Ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, mate,orange skin, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper,elderflower, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary,saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak plant, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle,cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm,lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol,camphene), flavor enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers,sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and/or sugarsubstitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame,saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol,or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll,minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may beimitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They maybe in any suitable form, for example, liquid such as an oil, solid suchas a powder, or gas.

In some embodiments, the flavor comprises menthol, spearmint and/orpeppermint. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises flavor componentsof cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and/or redberry. In someembodiments, the flavor comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, theflavor comprises flavor components extracted from tobacco. In someembodiments, the flavor comprises flavor components extracted fromcannabis.

In some embodiments, the flavor may comprise a sensate, which isintended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usuallychemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranialnerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or tastenerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling,tingling, numbing effect. A suitable heat effect agent may be, but isnot limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent maybe, but not limited to eucolyptol, WS-3.

The one or more active substances and/or flavors may form part of anaerosol-generating material. An aerosol-generating material is amaterial that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated,irradiated, or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating materialmay, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel. In someembodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprises an “amorphoussolid”, which may alternatively be referred to as a “monolithic solid”(i.e. non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be adried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain somefluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, theaerosol-generating material may for example comprise from about 50 wt %,60 wt % or 70 wt % of amorphous solid, to about 90 wt %, 95 wt % or 100wt % of amorphous solid.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more activesubstances and/or flavors, one or more aerosol-former materials, andoptionally one or more other functional material.

The aerosol-former material may comprise one or more constituentscapable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-formermaterial may comprise one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol,diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol,1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyllaurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetinmixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, laurylacetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

The aerosol-generating material may form at least a part of aconsumable. A consumable is an article comprising or consisting ofaerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to beconsumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or moreother components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area,an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generationarea, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or anaerosol-modifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosolgenerator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause theaerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may,for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable byelectrical conduction, or a susceptor.

The substance may be delivered to a user by a delivery system. As usedherein, the term “delivery system” is intended to encompass systems thatdeliver at least one substance to a user, and includes:

-   -   combustible aerosol provision systems, such as cigarettes,        cigarillos, cigars, and tobacco for pipes or for roll-your-own        or for make-your-own cigarettes (whether based on tobacco,        tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco,        tobacco substitutes or other smokable material);    -   non-combustible aerosol provision systems that release compounds        from an aerosol-generating material without combusting the        aerosol-generating material, such as electronic cigarettes,        tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems to generate aerosol        using a combination of aerosol-generating materials; and        aerosol-free delivery systems that deliver the at least one        substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally or in another        way without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to,        lozenges, gums, patches, articles comprising inhalable powders,        and oral products such as oral tobacco which includes snus or        moist snuff, wherein the at least one substance may or may not        comprise nicotine.

According to the present disclosure, a “combustible” aerosol provisionsystem is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of theaerosol provision system (or component thereof) is combusted or burnedduring use in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance toa user.

In some embodiments, the delivery system is a combustible aerosolprovision system, such as a system selected from the group consisting ofa cigarette, a cigarillo and a cigar.

According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosolprovision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating materialof the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combustedor burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to auser.

In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosolprovision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provisionsystem.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is anelectronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronicnicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presenceof nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is anaerosol-generating material heating system, also known as aheat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heatingsystem.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is ahybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination ofaerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated.Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in theform of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. Insome embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gelaerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. Thesolid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco ora non-tobacco product.

Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise anon-combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use withthe non-combustible aerosol provision device.

In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprisingaerosol-generating material and configured to be used withnon-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables aresometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustibleaerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, anaerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating materialtransfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, ahousing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and/or an aerosol-modifyingagent.

In some embodiments, the delivery system is an aerosol-free deliverysystem that delivers the at least one active substance to a user orally,nasally, transdermally or in another way without forming an aerosol,including but not limited to, lozenges, gums, patches, articlescomprising inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobaccowhich includes snus or moist snuff, wherein the at least one substancemay or may not comprise nicotine.

The substance delivery product container is configured to store adelivery system and/or a consumable. That is the substance productcontainer is configured to store: combustible aerosol provision systemsthat involve combustion of aerosolisable material to facilitate deliveryto a user; non-combustible aerosol provision systems that releasecompounds from aerosolisable material without combusting theaerosolisable material, such as electronic cigarettes or vaping devices,aerosolizable acrosolisablo material heating products, hybrid systems togenerate aerosol(s) using a combination of aerosolisable materials, andsprays such as nasal and oral sprays; aerosol-free delivery systems,which deliver one or more active substances to a user orally, nasally,via the skin or in another way without forming an aerosol, including butnot limited to oral delivery systems, such as snus or moist snuff, whichmay or may not comprise tobacco; and articles, such as consumables, andsubstances that may comprise aerosolisable material and are suitable foruse with one of the foregoing systems.

In some embodiments, the substance delivery product container is anicotine and/or flavor delivery product container. In some embodiments,the substance delivery product container is a tobacco industry productcontainer. The substance delivery product container is not a containerfor cosmetic, medical, automotive, or home electronic products. Thesubstance delivery product is not a container for food products intendedto be wholly swallowed.

In some embodiments, the substance delivery product container is acontainer for products configured for oral use. The term “configured fororal use” as used herein means that the product is provided in a formsuch that during use, saliva in the mouth of the user causes one or moreof the components of the mixture (e.g., flavoring agents and/ornicotine) to pass into the mouth of the user. In certain embodiments,the product is adapted to deliver components to a user through mucousmembranes in the user's mouth and, in some instances, said component isan active ingredient (including, but not limited to, for example,nicotine) that can be absorbed through the mucous membranes in the mouthwhen the product is used.

In particular, the disclosure provides products in the form of a mixtureof one or more components, disposed within a moisture-permeablecontainer (e.g., a water-permeable pouch). Such mixtures in thewater-permeable pouch format are typically used by placing a pouchcontaining the mixture in the mouth of a human subject/user. Generally,the pouch placed somewhere in the oral cavity of the user, for exampleunder the lips, in the same way as moist snuff products are generallyused. The pouch preferably is not chewed or swallowed. Exposure tosaliva then causes some of the components of the mixture therein (e.g.,flavoring agents and/or nicotine) to pass through e.g., thewater-permeable pouch and provide the user with flavor and satisfaction,and the user is not required to spit out any portion of the mixture.After about 10 minutes to about 60 minutes, typically about 15 minutesto about 45 minutes, of use/enjoyment, substantial amounts of themixture have been ingested by the human subject, and the pouch may beremoved from the mouth of the consumer for disposal. Preferred pouchmaterials for products described herein may be designed and manufacturedsuch that under conditions of normal use, a significant amount of thecontents of the formulation within the pouch permeate through the pouchmaterial prior to the time that the pouch undergoes loss of its physicalintegrity.

FIG. 1 shows a substance delivery product container 1, hereinafterreferred to as a ‘container’, according to an embodiment of theinvention. The container may be an active substance delivery productcontainer. The container 1 is suitable for holding modern oral products.The container 1 is suitable for storing snus (not shown). That is, thecontainer 1 stores snus, i.e. is a snus container. The container 1 iscomprises a composite material 2. That is, the container is made fromthe composite material 2. In some embodiments, the container 1 consistsof the composite material 2. A composite material 2 is a combination ofat least two materials with different physical and chemical properties.That is, the composite material 2 comprises at least a first materialand a second material. The at least two materials of the compositematerial 2 remain separate and distinct within the structure of thecontainer 1. Although the at least two materials remain separate anddistinct within the structure of the composite material 2, and thuscontainer 1, the at least two materials are mixed together, intermingledor intertwined with each other, or at least one material is embeddedwithin at least one other material. In some instances the at least twomaterials of the composite material 2 may be chemically bonded toprovide anisotropic properties. The properties of the composite material2 provide a range of benefits that are distinguished from either of thematerials used in isolation. Preferably, the composite material 2 ishomogenous, as will be described in more detail below. A homogenouscomposite material 2 is advantageous because it provides the samephysical and chemical properties throughout the material.

A composite material is distinguished from a compound which is asubstance consisting of two or more different elements or substanceswhich are chemically bonded together having isotropic properties.

In the present embodiment, the composite material 2 that the container 1is formed from is recyclable and/or compostable, as will be explained inmore detail below. By being able to recycle and/or compost the compositematerial 2 the carbon footprint of the container 1 can be reduced.Recycling the container 1 means that the composite material 2, orindividual materials, can be used again in the manufacturing process ofthe same product or another product. Composting the container 1 meansthat at least some of the materials can be used as, for example, a soilconditioner. The container 1 formed from the composite material 2 can bebio-degraded entirely without forming residual micro-plastics.

The composite material 2 of the container 1 comprises a first material.The first material may be a plastic. The plastic may be a polymer. Thepolymer may be a fossil derived polymer 3, i.e. an oil based plastic.Alternatively, the polymer may be a bio-derived polymer that is formedor polymerized from renewable sources and/or crops, such as, forexample, but not limited to, starch, cellulose, and lactic acid. Thebio-derived polymers may be, for example, but not limited to,bio-polyethylene and bio-polypropylene.

The fossil derived polymer or plastic may be a polyolefin, i.e. a typeof polymer produced from an alkene with the general formula C_(n)H_(2n)as a monomer. However, it will be appreciated that in alternativeembodiments other types of fossil-derived polymer or biogenic polymer,or plastic may be used. The polyolefin may be at least one of, forexample, but not limited to, polyethylene or polypropylene. Polyolefinsmake a good choice as a component of the composite material 2 becausethey can be molded easily and have good thermal properties. Manypolyolefins also meet the requirements of local food health agencies interms of food contact regulations and providing sufficient barrierproperties to prevent contamination.

In some embodiments, the polyolefin, or fossil-derived polymer 3 orplastic, may be a virgin material, i.e a polyolefin which is notrecycled. Virgin polyolefins are plastics which have not been usedbefore and whose first use is as part of the composite material 2 forthe container 1. Virgin polyolefins are less likely to contain anycontaminants are so are more likely to meet the requirements of localfood health agencies.

In some embodiments, the polyolefin, or fossil-derived polymer 3, may bea recycled material. That is, the material may have been used foranother consumer or industrial purpose before and be covered and reusedto form part of the composite material of the container 1. Recycledmaterials can be processed such that they also contain no contaminants.An advantage of using recycled polyolefins or fossil-derived polymers,is that the carbon footprint of the container 1 can be reduced.

In some embodiments, the composite material 2 comprises in the range of30% to 80% fossil-derived polymer 3. In some embodiments, the compositematerial 2 comprises in the range of about 50% to about 80%fossil-derived polymer 3. Preferably, the composite material 2 comprisesin the range of about 65% to about 70% fossil-derived polymer 3.

More preferably, the composite material comprises approximately 67%fossil-derived polymer 3.

The composite material 2 further comprises a second material. The secondmaterial may be a fibrous material. In the present embodiment, thefibrous material is a bio based fibrous material 4. However, it will beunderstood that in an alternative embodiment the fibrous material may bea synthetic fibrous material. The synthetic fibrous material may be abio-synthetic fiber or a fossil-based synthetic material. The syntheticfibrous material may be compostable. The bio based fibrous material 4may comprise elementary fibers 5 formed from cellulose. The bio basedfibrous material 4 is configured to reinforce the fossil-derived polymer3 or plastic. That is, the bio based fibrous material 4 is embedded inthe fossil-derived polymer 3 or plastic to provide a bio based fiberreinforced fossil-derived polymer 3 or plastic composite material 2.

In some embodiments, the composite material 2 comprises in the range ofabout 20% to about 70% bio based fibrous material 4. The compositematerial 2 may comprise in the range of 20% to 70% of a bio-derived,renewable, non-thermoplastic substance. In some embodiments, thecomposite material 2 comprises in the range of about 20% to about 50%bio based fibrous material 4. Preferably, the composite material 2comprises in the range of about 30% to about 40% bio based fibrousmaterial 4. More preferably, the composite material 2 comprisesapproximately 33% bio based fibrous material 4.

Therefore, the carbon footprint of the container 1 can be reducedbecause the amount of fossil-derived polymer 3 or plastic required toform the container 1 is reduced by replacing a part of thefossil-derived polymer 3 or plastic with organic material in the form ofbio based fibers 5.

The elementary fibers 5 of the bio based material 4 provide thefossil-derived polymer 3 or plastic with greater tensile properties thanthe fossil-derived polymer 3 or plastic alone. That is, the compositematerial 2 can be subjected to a greater tensile load because the loadcan be distributed along the elementary fibers 5 of the bio basedfibrous material 4. The composite material 2 may be an anisotropicmaterial. That is, the composite material 2 may display anisotropicbehaviors. This can be achieved by controlling the direction of the flowof the material 2 into the mold. The composite material 2 beinganisotropic allows for the container 1 to withstand larger loads incritical areas of the structure and allows thinner walls in areas thatare not subjected to such high loads. By using a fiber reinforcedfossil-derived polymer 3 or plastic, the thickness of the walls of thecontainer 1 can be reduced whilst being able to withstand the same loadas a purely plastic container. Thus, the amount of fossil-derivedpolymer 3 or plastic material is further reduced due to the thinnerwalls of the container 1. Therefore, the carbon footprint of thecontainer 1 is further reduced.

The average length of the elementary fibers 5 of the bio based fibrousmaterial 4 are in the range of about 0.1 mm to about 15 mm. Preferably,the length of the elementary fibers 5 of the bio based fibrous material4 are in the range of about 0.1 mm to about 15 mm. More preferably, theaverage length of the elementary fibers 5 of the bio based fibrousmaterial 4 are in the range of about 0.5 mm to about 8 mm. In general,it has been found that by increased fiber length provides improvedproperties of the composite material 2 is. That is, the strength of thecomposite material 2 is increased by increasing the aspect ratio of theelementary fibers 5. The greater strength of the composite material 2allows for a greater reduction in the thickness of the walls of thecontainer 1 and therefore, a reduction in the carbon footprint of thecontainer 1 due to the use of less fossil-derived polymers 3 or plastic.However, having an average fiber length that is too long can lead tounwanted agglomerations occurring in the manufacturing apparatus whichcan disrupt the homogenous state of the composite material 2. Therefore,a balance between strength of the container 1 and ease of manufacturecan be found in the preferred ranges.

The average diameter of the elementary fibers 5 of the bio based fibrousmaterial 4 are in the range of about 10 μm to about 100 μm. Preferably,the diameter of the elementary fibers 5 of the bio based fibrousmaterial 4 are in the range of about 10 μm to about 100 μm. Morepreferably, the average diameter of the elementary fibers 5 of the biobased fibrous material 4 are in the range of about 15 μm to about 80 μm.A smaller diameter results in a larger aspect ratio for a given length,as described in more detail hereinafter, which results in a fiber withincreased longitudinal tensile strength properties.

In some embodiments, the elementary fibers 5 of the bio based fibrousmaterial 4 may be continuous fibers. A continuous fiber 5 is a fiberthat has a length to diameter ratio of greater than moo. Therefore, thebio based fibrous material 4 may form a continuous fiber reinforcementin the composite material 2. In alternative embodiments, the elementaryfibers 5 of the bio based fibrous material 4 may be discontinuousfibers. A discontinuous fiber is a fiber that has a length to diameterratio of less than moo. Therefore, the bio based material 4 may form adiscontinuous fiber reinforcement in the composite material 2.Preferably, the aspect ratio, or length to diameter ratio, of theelementary fibers 5 of the bio based fibrous material 4 is in the rangeof about 2 to 1500. In some embodiments, the aspect ratio may be in therange of about 10 to about 50. The continuous fibers 5 may be arrangedunidirectionally or bidirectionally, for example mainly in the x and ydirections. The discontinuous fibers may be arranged uni-directionallyor bi-directionally or aligned or randomly orientated.

In some embodiments, the elementary fibers may be formed form anagricultural plant product. In the context of this application anagricultural plant product is considered to be an plant product whichgrows seasonally or yearly. That is, an agricultural plant product maygrow sufficiently to be ripe for harvest seasonally or yearly. Such aplant product may have a high yearly crop yield. The elementary fibers 5of agricultural plant products tend to have a higher aspect or length todiameter ratio making them more prone to displaying increased tensilestrength properties which is advantageous in the composite material 2.

Examples of agricultural plant products include crops. Usingagricultural plant products as the source of the elementary fibers 5 ofthe bio based fibrous material 4 for the composite material 2 have theadvantage of being widely available such that the elementary fibers 5can be sourced and produced using the local crop in most locationsaround the world. Crops are commonly available in large numbers and havea high conversion rate of raw material to fiber yield. Between 50% and90% of many agricultural plant product can be converted into fiberswhich reduces waste and therefore reduces the carbon footprint of thecomposite material 2, and consequently the container 1. The agriculturalplant products may be, for example, but not limited to, flax, hemp, orother types other suitable agricultural crop with cellulose fiber 4content. The elementary fibers 5 may be formed from at least one of theseed, leaf, bast, fruit, or stalk of the agricultural plant product.

In some embodiments, the elementary fibers 5 may be formed form anon-agricultural plant product. In the context of this application anon-agricultural plant product is considered to be an plant productwhich takes years to grow. Examples of non-agricultural plant productsinclude trees. The elementary fibers 5 of non-agricultural plantproducts tend to have a shorter length to diameter ratio making themless prone to disrupt the homogenous state of the composite 2 during themolding phase in the can production apparatus. However, the conversionrate is generally lower due to the commonly higher amounts of lignin,pectin, and other non-cellulose substances in the product. Thenon-agricultural plant products may be a wood, such as a softwood or ahardwood. The non-agricultural plant products may be, for example, butnot limited to, pine and palm.

Each type of elementary fiber 5, whether derived from an agriculturalplant product, a non-agricultural plant product, or a synthetic fiber,may be combined with a fossil-derived polymer 3 or plastic such as, forexample, but not limited to a polyolefin. The composite materials 2described above generally have a first material and a second material,wherein the first material is a fossil-derived polymer and the secondmaterial is a fibrous material. It will be appreciated that inalternative embodiments, the composite material 2 may comprise furthermaterials, such as a further fossil-derived polymer or plastic or anadditional fibrous material.

Preferably the composite material 2 is homogenous. That is, preferablythe elementary fibers 5 of the bio based fibrous material 4 aredistributed evenly throughout the fossil-derived polymer 3 or plastic.

The composite materials 2 as described above are particularly suitablefor forming a container 1 for an oral product because they are easilymoldable to create the container 1 but also provide rigid and strongcontainers which are less likely to deform for a given thickness ofmaterial. Therefore, the containers 1 are less likely to be crushed andso better protect the oral product contained inside them. Thus, the oralproducts are less likely to be damaged, or have their integritycompromised, during transport or when carried between uses by a userwhere the container 1 may be dropped or sat on, for example.

In addition, the composite materials 2 as described above areparticularly suitable for forming a container 1 for an oral productbecause cellulose represents a non-toxic bio-derived substance whichmeets food container standards.

FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 show a container 1 according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. The container 1 is formed form a composite material2, as described above. The container comprises a base 12, lid 13, andoptionally a cover 14. Each of the base 12, lid 13, and cover 14 may beformed, at least partly, from the composite material 2. As will bedescribed later on, the base 12 and the lid 13 define a first space orcompartment for storing fresh or unused snus, and the lid 13 and thecover 14 define a second space or disposal compartment for holdingconsumed or used snus. When the lid 13 is located on the base 12 toclose the first compartment, the lid 13 and base 12 may seal the firstcompartment. This is true whether the container 1 comprises a cover 14or not.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-section of the container 1. The base 12 comprises acircular bottom wall 30 and a peripheral side wall 32. The lid 13comprises a reconfigurable wall 34 and a peripheral side wall 36. Anupper portion 38 of the base peripheral side wall 32 has a smaller outerdiameter compared to the inner diameter of the lid peripheral side wall36. This allows the base 12 to receive the lid 13, the lid 13 beingreleasably attachable to the base 2.

The base 12 and lid 13 define a first compartment 42 for receivingunused snus. A user is thus able to obtain a piece of unused snus fromthe first compartment 42 by removing the lid 13 from the base 12. Theuser will then typically re-attach the lid 13 to the base 12 so that theremaining unused snus remains moist. In addition, in some embodimentssuch as the embodiment illustrates in FIG. 4 , the lid 13 comprises asecond compartment 44 for receiving used snus.

The second compartment 44 is closable with the cover 14 (not shown inFIG. 4 ) so as to prevent the used snus from falling out of the secondcompartment. The lid comprises a reconfigurable wall 34 which separatesthe first and second compartments. That is, the first compartment 42 ison one side of the reconfigurable wall 34 and the second compartment 44is on the other side of the reconfigurable wall 34. In fact, thereconfigurable wall 34, together with side wall 37, defines the secondcompartment. The reconfigurable wall 34 is described in more detailbelow.

However, it will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, thecontainer 1 may be of a more simple design, which omits the secondcompartment 44 and/or cover 14. In such an embodiment, the base 12 andlid 13 may be connected simply by, for example, but not limited to, ahinge, a screw on connection, or a snap on connection which seals thefirst compartment. In the simplified composite container 1, thereconfigurable wall 34 may be omitted and the cover 14 may form the topwall of the lid 13.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the lid 13 comprising the secondcompartment 44 and reconfigurable wall 34. The reconfigurable wall 34 isformed of contiguous polygons. All of the contiguous polygons may be ofthe same type. For example, all of the contiguous polygons may betriangles. In this case, all the contiguous polygons may be of the samesize and shape (that is, congruent with each other) or, alternatively,at least two of the contiguous polygons may have a different size and/orshape to each other (that is, at least two of the contiguous polygonsmay be non-congruent). Alternatively, the contiguous polygons maycomprise at least two types of polygon.

The contiguous polygons may comprise a first polygon surrounded by aplurality of second polygons. This is the case in the embodiment shownin FIG. 5 , in which there is a first polygon 46 surrounded by aplurality of second polygons 48. Each of the second polygons may be ofthe same type In this case, all the second polygons may be of the samesize and shape (that is, congruent with each other—this is the case inthe embodiment of FIG. 5 ) or, alternatively, at least two of the secondpolygons may have a different size and/or shape to each other (that is,at least two of the second polygons may be non-congruent).Alternatively, the second polygons may comprise at least two types ofpolygon.

In the embodiment of FIG. 5 , the first polygon 46 is a regular polygonand the second polygons 48 are isosceles trapezoids of the same size andshape. The shortest of the parallel sides 48B of each isoscelestrapezoid is contiguous with one of the sides of the first polygon. Thelongest of the parallel sides 48A of each isosceles trapezoid isdisposed opposite one of the sides of the first polygon. In thisembodiment, the longest of the parallel sides 48A of each isoscelestrapezoid also forms a portion of the boundary 50 of the reconfigurablewall 34 (meaning that the boundary 50 of the reconfigurable wall 34 hasthe same regular polygonal shape as the first polygon 46). Eachisosceles trapezoid is contiguous with its neighboring isoscelestrapezoids along its non-parallel sides 48C, 48D. Although the firstpolygon 46 in the embodiment of FIG. 5 is a regular octagon, it will beappreciated that any polygon, regular or irregular, may be used for thefirst polygon 46, and that the number and size and shape of the secondpolygons 48 will be adjusted accordingly so as to maintain thecontiguous relationship between the polygons and form the reconfigurablewall 34. It is noted that the reconfigurable wall 34 is connected to theside wall 37 at its boundary 50, and the relative movement of thecontiguous polygons 46, 48 is constrained at this boundary 50 of thereconfigurable wall 34.

The reconfigurable wall 34 is reconfigurable between a firstconfiguration in which the contiguous polygons 46, 48 are arranged toform a convex shape and a second configuration in which the contiguouspolygons 46, 48 are arranged to form a concave shape. In the firstconfiguration, the convex shape serves to maximize the volume of thefirst compartment for storing unused snus. In the second configuration,the concave shape serves to maximize the volume of the secondcompartment for storing used snus. The reconfigurable wall 34 isreconfigurable between the first and second positions in response topressure applied by the user, as will now be described with reference toFIGS. 6A and 6B.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show a simplified cross-section of the container 1 whenthe lid 13 is attached to the base 12. FIG. 6A shows the reconfigurablewall 34 in the first configuration, in which the contiguous polygons 46,48 are arranged to form a convex shape so as to maximize the volume ofthe first compartment 42. FIG. 5B shows the reconfigurable wall 34 inthe second configuration, in which the contiguous polygons 46, 48 arearranged to form a concave shape so as to maximize the volume of thesecond compartment 44.

The reconfigurable wall 34 is reconfigurable from the firstconfiguration of FIG. 6A to the second configuration of FIG. 6B when theuser applies pressure to the reconfigurable wall 34 in a directionindicated by the arrows 52 in FIG. 6A. More specifically, once thepressure applied to the reconfigurable wall 34 in the direction of thearrows 52 exceeds a threshold value, the resilience of thereconfigurable wall 34 at the boundaries of the contiguous polygons 46,48 is overcome. This causes the contiguous polygons 46, 48 to moverelative to the boundary 50 of the reconfigurable wall and relative toeach other to form the concave shape of the second configuration of FIG.5B.

It is noted that the pressure in the direction of the arrows 52 may beapplied directly so as to reconfigure the reconfigurable wall 34. Forexample, the user may apply pressure directly by pressing thereconfigurable wall 34 with one or more of their fingers. Alternatively,the pressure in the direction of the arrows 52 may be applied indirectlyso as to reconfigure the reconfigurable wall 34. For example, when thereconfigurable wall 34 is in the first configuration of FIG. 6A, theuser may place used snus in the compartment 44 and then attach the cover4 to the lid 3. If there is a sufficient amount of used snus placed inthe compartment 44, then as the cover 4 is attached to the lid 3 by theuser, the cover will push against the used snus and, in turn, the usedsnus will push against the reconfigurable wall. Thus, pressure isapplied indirectly to the reconfigurable wall 34 via the used snus asthe cover 4 is attached to the lid 3.

Similarly, the reconfigurable wall 34 is reconfigurable from the secondconfiguration of FIG. 6B to the first configuration of FIG. 6A when theuser applies pressure to the reconfigurable wall 34 in a directionindicated by the arrows 54 in FIG. 6B (in this case, the user mustremove the lid 3 from the base 2 in order to apply pressure to thereconfigurable wall 34). More specifically, once the pressure applied tothe reconfigurable wall 34 in the direction of the arrows 54 exceeds thethreshold value, the resilience of the reconfigurable wall 34 at theboundaries of the contiguous polygons 46, 48 is overcome. This causesthe contiguous polygons 46, 48 to move relative to the boundary 50 ofthe reconfigurable wall and relative to each other to form the convexshape of the first configuration of FIG. 6A.

Again, it is noted that the pressure in the direction of the arrows 54may be applied directly so as to reconfigure the reconfigurable wall 34.For example, the user may apply pressure directly by pressing thereconfigurable wall 34 with one or more of their fingers. Alternatively,the pressure in the direction of the arrows 54 may be applied indirectlyso as to reconfigure the reconfigurable wall. For example, if thereconfigurable wall 34 is in the second configuration of FIG. 6B beforethe lid 3 is attached to the base 2, and if there is a sufficient amountof unused snus placed in the compartment 42, then as the lid 3 isattached to the base 2 by the user (or, alternatively, by themanufacturer), the unused snus will push against the reconfigurable wall34. Thus, pressure is applied indirectly to the reconfigurable wall 34via the unused snus as the lid 3 is attached to the base 2.

The contiguous polygons 46, 48 are defined by resilient portions 56 ofthe reconfigurable wall 34. More specifically, the resilient portions 56define the boundaries of the contiguous polygons 46, 48. The resilientportions 56 enable the above-mentioned relative movement of thecontiguous polygons by allowing each polygon to undertake a pivoting orhinging motion about each of its boundaries. The resilient portions 56also bias the relative movement of the contiguous polygons such that thefirst and second configurations are stable (that is, non-changing) inthe absence of applied pressure (or when the applied pressure is lessthan the threshold value). When sufficient pressure is applied so as toreconfigure the reconfigurable wall 34 from the first configuration tothe second configuration (or vice versa), the resilience of theresilient portions 56 causes the configuration to change suddenly via a“pop” or “snap” action.

In addition to the resilient portions 56 of the reconfigurable wall 34allowing the relative movement of the contiguous polygons and biasingthe relative movement such that the first and second configurations arestable, the side wall 37 of the used snus compartment may also beresiliently flexible so as to help allow relative movement of thecontiguous polygons and bias the relative movement such that the firstand second configurations are stable. In this case, the side wall 37 isresiliently flexible in response to force applied to the side wall atthe boundary 50 of the reconfigurable wall 34 during reconfiguration ofthe reconfigurable wall between the first, convex configuration and thesecond, concave configuration. This is illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B.

When pressure is applied to the reconfigurable wall in the direction ofthe arrows 52 in FIG. 6A so as to reconfigure the reconfigurable wallfrom the first configuration to the second configuration, a force isapplied to the side wall 37 at the boundary 50 in the direction of thearrow 41. This causes the side wall to flex about its upper edge 39 (theupper edge 39 connecting the side wall 37 to the outer portion of thelid 3) in the direction of the arrow 41 so as to move away from itsoriginal position as the reconfigurable wall is initially reconfiguredaway from the first configuration. The resilience of the side wall 37 asit is flexed in the direction of the arrow 41 helps cause an initialresistance against the reconfiguration of the reconfigurable wall andhelps bias the relative movement of the contiguous polygons such thatthe first configuration is stable. Then, as the reconfigurable wallapproaches the second configuration (as occurs when the pressure appliedto the reconfigurable wall by the user exceeds the threshold valuerequired to overcome the resistance provided by the resilience of theresilient portions 56 and the side wall 37), the resilience of the sidewall 37 causes the side wall to flex about is upper edge 39 in thedirection of the arrow 43 so as to return to its original position (theoriginal position of the side wall 37 being reached when thereconfigurable reaches the second configuration). As the side wall 37returns to its original position under its own resilience, it applies aforce to the boundary 50 of the reconfigurable wall which assists thereconfigurable wall in arriving at the second configuration.

Similarly, when pressure is applied to the reconfigurable wall in thedirection of the arrows 54 in FIG. 6B so as to reconfigure thereconfigurable wall from the second configuration to the firstconfiguration, a force is applied to the side wall 37 at the boundary 50in the direction of the arrow 41. This causes the side wall to flexabout its upper edge 39 (the upper edge 39 connecting the side wall 37to the outer portion of the lid 3) in the direction of the arrow 41 soas to move away from its original position as the reconfigurable wall isinitially reconfigured away from the second configuration. Theresilience of the side wall 37 as it is flexed in the direction of thearrow 41 helps cause an initial resistance against the reconfigurationof the reconfigurable wall and helps bias the relative movement of thecontiguous polygons such that the second configuration is stable. Then,as the reconfigurable wall approaches the first configuration (as occurswhen the pressure applied to the reconfigurable wall by the user exceedsthe threshold value required to overcome the resistance provided by theresilience of the resilient portions 56 and the side wall 37), theresilience of the side wall 37 causes the side wall to flex about isupper edge 39 in the direction of the arrow 43 so as to return to itsoriginal position (the original position of the side wall 37 beingreached when the reconfigurable reaches the first configuration). As theside wall 37 returns to its original position under its own resilience,it applies a force to the boundary 50 of the reconfigurable wall whichassists the reconfigurable wall in arriving at the first configuration.

Thus, together with the resilience of the resilient portions 56 of thereconfigurable wall, the resilience of the side wall 37 causes initialresistance to reconfiguration when pressure is initially applied to thereconfigurable wall followed by, once reconfiguration has been initiated(as occurs when the pressure applied to the reconfigurable wall exceedsthe predetermined threshold), assistance in reconfiguring thereconfigurable wall to its final, new configuration. It is this initialresistance followed by subsequent assistance which results in the “pop”or “snap” action as the reconfigurable wall is reconfigured between thefirst and second configurations. Note that the resistance provided bythe resilient portions 56 and resilient side wall 37 will change tobecome assistance once the reconfigurable wall reaches approximatelyhalf way between the first and second configurations (that is, when thereconfigurable wall is approximately planar and is parallel to theplanar base 30 of the container 1).

In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the entire lid 13, including thereconfigurable wall 34, is formed from the composite material 2. Thethickness of the composite material 2 is reduced in predeterminedregions of the reconfigurable wall 34 so as to define the resilientportions 56 at the boundaries of the contiguous polygons 46, 48.Advantageously, this allows for easy manufacture of the lid 13 byinjection molding or the like. The composite material 2 used may be anymaterial described above. It is noted that the side wall 37 willgenerally be less resilient than the resilient portions 56 (since,unlike the resilient portions 56, the side wall does not have to besufficiently resilient so as to allow a well defined hinging or pivotingmotion), and may, as in the example embodiments, be of the same or of asimilar thickness as that of the central portion of each of thecontiguous polygons 46, 48 (that is, the portion of each contiguouspolygon which does not form part of the resilient portion 56).Advantageously, such a thickness allows the side wall to be sufficientlyresilient so as to provide appropriate resistance and assistance duringreconfiguration of the reconfigurable wall (as described above) whilst,at the same time, help provide structural integrity to the lid 3.

In use, when the container 1 is initially filled with new, unused snus,the reconfigurable wall 34 is made to take the first, convexconfiguration of FIG. 6A. This provides maximum volume in the firstcompartment 42 for storing unused snus. At a later time, when the userwishes to store used snus in the container 1 (until they can find asuitable waste receptacle), the user places the used snus in the secondcompartment 44. In order to increase the volume of the secondcompartment 44 so as to enable more used snus to be stored, the userapplies pressure to the reconfigurable wall 34 so that it “pops” or“snaps” into the second, concave configuration of FIG. 6B. At an evenlater time, once the user has found a suitable waste receptacle todispose of the used snus, the user may then apply pressure to thereconfigurable wall 34 so that it “pops” or “snaps” back to the first,convex configuration of FIG. 6A. This once again provides a maximumvolume in the first compartment 42, which the user may refill with new,unused snus. Thus, advantageously, the reconfigurable wall 34 allows thetotal volume of the container 1 to be efficiently used depending on therelative amounts of used and unused snus.

Advantageously, the above-described reconfigurable wall 34 comprisingcontiguous polygons allows the user to apply pressure to any region ofthe reconfigurable wall in order to reconfigure the wall from the firstconfiguration to the second configuration (or vice versa). This isbecause the use of such contiguous polygons allows the pressure appliedto the reconfigurable wall 34 to be more evenly distributed across thereconfigurable wall 34 when the pressure is applied to one or more ofthe polygons. Thus, the user is able to easily reconfigure thereconfigurable wall 34 by applying pressure to any one contiguouspolygon (that is, to any point on the reconfigurable wall 34). Thismakes it easier and more convenient for the user to reconfigure thereconfigurable wall 34. This is particularly the case for a polygonarrangement in which a first polygon 46 is surrounded by a plurality ofsecond polygons 48, and more particularly when the second polygons 48are all of the same type (as shown in the described embodiments).

Furthermore, the above-described reconfigurable wall 34 comprisingcontiguous polygons including a first polygon 46 surrounded by aplurality of second polygons 48, each of the second polygons being ofthe same type, provides a favorable shape to the first and secondcompartments 42, 44. In particular, this is true of the secondcompartment 44, for which the concave shape of the reconfigurable wall34 in the second configuration allows used snus to be easily removedfrom the second compartment 44 when the user finds a suitable wastereceptacle for disposing of the used snus.

The use of a regular polygon as the first polygon 46 and a plurality ofidentical isosceles trapezoids as the plurality of second polygons 48 isparticular effective at allowing pressure to be more evenly distributedacross the reconfigurable wall 34 and at achieving the above-mentionedeffects. Any regular polygon may be used as the first polygon 46, thenumber of isosceles trapezoids as the second polygons 48 being equal tothe number of sides of the chosen regular polygon. The use of a regularpolygon with 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16 sides isparticular advantageous, since this allows a well defined convex andconcave shape of the first and second wall configurations (respectively)whilst maintaining structural integrity of the wall and ease ofmanufacture (due to obtaining a favorable balance between the resilientportions of the reconfigurable wall at the boundaries of the contiguouspolygons and the harder, less resilient portions of the reconfigurablewall defining the central portions of the contiguous polygons). In fact,the use of a regular polygon with 6 or 8 sides is particularlyeffective.

It is noted that, in the embodiment shown in the Figures, the secondcompartment 44 always exists, but has a smaller volume when thereconfigurable wall 34 is in the first, convex configuration of FIG. 6A.In an alternative embodiment, the reconfigurable wall may be positionedsuch that the second compartment 44 is only formed when thereconfigurable wall 34 is reconfigured from the first, convexconfiguration to the second, concave configuration (that is, the secondcompartment 44 has zero volume when the reconfigurable wall 34 is in thefirst, convex configuration).

It is noted that the arrangement of the container 1 relates to only oneembodiment of the invention, and that the reconfigurable wall 34 andfirst and second compartments may be arranged differently. For example,instead of being located in the lid 13, the second compartment 44 mayinstead be located in the base 2. In this case, the circular bottom wall30 of the base 12 may instead comprise the reconfigurable wall 34,which, together with a side wall (not shown, but similar to the sidewall 37 in the embodiment of the Figures), defines the secondcompartment 44 in a bottom portion of the base 2. The second compartment44 will then be closable with a separate bottom cover (not shown) so asto prevent the used snus from falling out.

The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist inunderstanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments areprovided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are notexhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages,embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or otheraspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on thescope of the inventions as defined by the claims or limitations onequivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilizedand modifications may be made without departing from the scope of theclaimed invention. Various embodiments of the inventions may suitablycomprises, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriatecombinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts,steps, means, etc, other than those specifically described herein. Inaddition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presentlyclaims, but which may be claimed in the future.

1. A substance delivery product container for storing products for oraluse, the substance delivery product container comprising a compositematerial, the composite material being a combination of at least a firstmaterial and a second material.
 2. The substance delivery productcontainer according to claim 1, wherein the substance delivery productcontainer comprises a base and a lid which is releasably attachable tothe base, the base and the lid defining a first compartment which isconfigured to receive the substance delivery product.
 3. The substancedelivery product container according to claim 1, wherein the compositematerial is configured to be compostable and/or recyclable.
 4. Thesubstance delivery product container according to claim 1, wherein thecomposite material is homogenous.
 5. The substance delivery productcontainer according to claim 1, wherein the composite material is ananisotropic material.
 6. The substance delivery product containeraccording to claim 1, wherein the first material is a plastic.
 7. Thesubstance delivery product container according to claim 6, wherein theplastic is a bio-derived polymer.
 8. The substance delivery productcontainer according to claim 6, wherein the plastic is a fossil derivedpolymer.
 9. The substance delivery product container according to claim8, wherein the fossil-derived polymer is a polyolefin.
 10. The substancedelivery product container according to claim 9, wherein the polyolefinis a recycled material.
 11. The substance delivery product containeraccording to claim 9, wherein the polyolefin is at least one ofpolyethylene or polypropylene.
 12. The substance delivery productcontainer according to claim 6, wherein the composite material comprisesin the range of 50% to 80% of the first material.
 13. The substancedelivery product container according to claim 1, wherein the secondmaterial is a fibrous material.
 14. The substance delivery productcontainer according to claim 13, wherein the fibrous material is a biobased fibrous material.
 15. The substance delivery product containeraccording to claim 14, wherein the bio based fibrous material compriseselementary fibers comprising cellulose.
 16. The substance deliveryproduct container according to claim 13, wherein the fibrous materialforms a discontinuous fiber reinforcement in the composite material. 17.The substance delivery product container according to claim 13, whereinthe average length of the elementary fibers is in the range of about 0.1mm and about 15 mm.
 18. The substance delivery product containeraccording to claim 13, wherein the average diameter of the elementaryfibers is in the range of about 10 μm and about 100 μm.
 19. Thesubstance delivery product container according to claim 13, wherein thelength to diameter ratio of the elementary fibers is in the range ofabout 2 to about
 1500. 20. The substance delivery product containeraccording to claim 13, wherein the elementary fibers are arrangedbi-directionally.
 21. The substance delivery product container accordingto claim 13, where the elementary fibers are formed from an agriculturalplant product.
 22. The substance delivery product container according toclaim 21, wherein the agricultural plant product is at least one offlax, hemp, or cellulose.
 23. The substance delivery product containeraccording to claim 13, wherein the elementary fibers are formed from anon-agricultural plant product.
 24. The substance delivery productcontainer according to claim 23, where the non-agricultural plantproduct is at least one of a hardwood or a softwood.
 25. The substancedelivery product container according to claim 1, wherein the compositematerial comprises in the range of 20% to 50% the second material.
 26. Ause of a composite material according to claim 1 to form a substancedelivery product container.